Smoking 'increases risk of suicide'

People who spark up are more likely to commit suicide than those who stay away from nicotine, a new study suggests.Traditionally used as a quick way to calm nerves, US researchers found fags could in fact be damaging smokers' mental health, as well as physical."Smoking may increase the risk for psychiatric disorders, or make them more severe, which, in turn, can influence suicide risk," said psychiatry professor, Richard Grucza.During the study, researchers discovered that suicide rates dropped by up to 15% compared to the national average in states that had seen a drop in the number of of smokers following tobacco tax hikes and the banning of smoking in public places between 1990 and 2004.They report that for every dollar increase in cigarette taxes there was a 10% decrease in suicide risk.While it could be said that smokers are more likely to take their own lives because people with psychiatric problems are more likely to smoke, it is now believed that nicotine could cause the disorders, increasing the risk of suicide.It is not clear exactly how smoking influences suicide risk, but it could increase depression or addiction to other substances."The numbers show it clearly does something.” said Professor Grucza."Like any other addicting drug, people start using nicotine to feel good, but eventually they need it to feel normal. And as with other drugs, that chronic use can contribute to depression or anxiety."The number of people who like to light up in England has dropped to below 20% for the first time in 80 years, according to a University College of London study.The latest research from the Washington University School of Medicine was published in the journal of Nicotine & Tobacco Research.